Connecticut animal control officer arrested again

Published July 11. 2013 8:00AM | Updated July 11. 2013 8:40AM

Associated Press

Woodbridge (AP) — Woodbridge's animal control officer has been arrested again, this time on a larceny charge.

Fifty-nine-year-old Karen Lombardi was charged in April with animal cruelty for allegedly slamming a small dog against a wall. That case remains pending. She was charged with second-degree larceny and placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday.

Police say the most recent arrest is connected to a complaint by the state Department of Agriculture's animal control division about the possible misuse of funds and vouchers used for spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

Lombardi's lawyer, William Dow III, says his client will plead not guilty to the larceny charge and called the case a "petty misunderstanding."

Lombardi posted $1,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on July 18.